Matilda Jnr

This was my first visit to this relatively new venue in Swansea to watch Musicality perform the junior
version of the award winning musical Matilda.

It follows the story of Matilda Wormwood, the daughter of uncaring parents who finds refuge in
reading and making up her own stories.

The musical follows Matilda’s journey to school where she encounters the cruel Headmistress Miss
Trunchbull but finds an ally in the shy Miss Honey.

I was impressed with the evening from entering the theatre where I was met by students dressed in
school uniform who assisted front of house, on entering the auditorium the stage was open plan
with boxes set around a rear projection with the name of the Musical displayed with decorated flats
on either side of the small stage.

As with most youth productions Musicality had two teams, I watched the Friday evening cast so can
only comment on their performances, however I am sure that the other cast also performed to a
high standard if their performance in the ensemble was anything to go by.

This show had 21 named characters so it would be difficult to mention each and every one by name,
however at this point, as mentioned earlier, I must compliment the whole ensemble on stage as I
felt that every young person performing took on their own unique personality and didn’t just go
through the motions. I liked the way the director used the whole auditorium with the centre aisle
being utilised in some of the musical numbers. I particularly liked the movement of Phys Ed.
Matilda was played by Olivia Merchant, and she performed the role very well her diction was clear,
and she kept well in character throughout.

The role of Miss Trunchbull was taken by Caitlin Kenny, who did really well in making the audience
dislike her character and applaud when she finally got her comeuppance at the end.

I was also really impressed with, Tara Wells’ performance as Mrs Wormwood, she kept her character
and accent well throughout well done.

However, the standout performance for me on the night was Amelia John who played Miss Honey,
Amelia played the role with just the right amount of frailty so the transformation at the end worked.
She also sang her solos well, and I did like the way that the Musical Director played for the two
important solos sung by Matilda and Miss Honey and didn’t use the backing tracks which were used
throughout.

On the whole it was a very enjoyable evening, it was apparent that every young person on stage
were thoroughly enjoying themselves and showed great team work.

Congratulations to Amanda, Emily and Bobby and all their production team and I look forward to
join you for your future productions.

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